Rio Ferdinand: Why Chelsea boss Antonio Conte deserves my praise

Rio Ferdinand has singled out Antonio Conte for special praise following his solid substitutions in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool FC on Saturday.

After a goalless first half at Anfield, Liverpool FC took the lead in the 65th minute when former Chelsea star Mohamed Salah poked home from close range.

Conte opted to bring on Cesc Fabregas and Willian shortly after, and both players had a big impact on the game.

Fabregas helped Chelsea to carve some good opportunities on goal, and it was Willian who proved to be the hero for the Blues, as his cross-cum-shot deceived Simon Mignolet and rescued a draw in the 85th minute.

And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes that Conte deserves the credit for helping Chelsea to win the game on Saturday.

Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “I think Conte has to take some credit today [after the Liverpool FC draw] – I think he got his substitutions bang on.

“We expected Willian or Pedro to start but Cesc Fabregas came on and started to dictate the tempo of the game. And then Willian came on and scored.”

Chelsea will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday night when they host Swansea City at Stamford Bridge in the top flight.

The draw left the Blues, who won the title in Conte’s first campaign last term, third in the Premier League table and 11 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City after 12 games of the new…